Anno 2008 will perhaps be remembered (or best forgotten) as the year that spawned the unprecedented global economic crisis never been seen since the Great US depression era of the 1920s.
No wonder, Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in his traditional Christmas message warned that 2009 will be a “difficult year “. It means for all of us Canadians, We’ll have to cope with the effects of recession and tighten our belts.
But if Harper were to relay that same message to Filipinos, he will be met with a mere shrug simply because hard times is old news to Pinoys.
They’re used to it everyday of their existence.
******
The year past however bad or worse, has its highs and peaks. Barack Obama made history as the first elected Black-(African-American) US President.
In the Filipino community, a woman of color, a foreign worker in the service of caring for Canadians young and old alike, also made history of sorts.
*******
In my books therefore, cancer-stricken Filipina caregiver Juana Tejada is the “Woman of the Year 2008 “ in the Filipino community. Her years of struggle to fight for her right to stay here in Canada and be given her deserved medical benefits and treatment has provided inspiration for all foreign domestic workers.
Tejada’s plight has spurred and moved the entire community to take up the cudgels for much-needed reforms in the live-in caregiver system .
It was Cabbagetown’s Gene Lara who took notice of Tejada’s situation and initially mobilized organizations for assistance.
Today, Tejada is a landed immigrant after nearly being thrown out of Canada and denied medical help several times . She has now become a symbol and the voice of the thousands of caregivers serving in this country.
After winning her battle to stay in Canada, she is now facing the biggest fight of her life..against cancer.
*******
What was the year past like in the Philippines ? Aside from the usual dose of corruption and the favourite pastime, which is politics, 2008 was a mixture of high scandals, crimes and disasters.
The Arroyo presidency was dogged by accusations of overpricing in the so-called ZTE Broadband project involving a big Chinese firm and the Philippine government to the tune of almost $500 million.
The rice crisis reminiscent of the Marcos-era reared its ugly head as the world global supply of rice dwindled and prices rose, prompting the government to subsidize prices.
Complicating the situation was the rise in bank heists or hold-ups .
In May 16,2008, the biggest and the most heinous bank robbery took place in Cabuyao, Laguna when armed men massacred 10 innocent bank employees taking off with more than P9 million (about $300,000).
Sea mishaps, a frequent occurrences took its latest number of casualties in June 21,2008 when the MV Princess of Stars, the biggest ferry ship of hard-luck Sulpicio Lines sank amid a fierce storm off Romblon island, bringing some 500 people, some of them children to their watery grave.
To this day, 300 more are missing in what was the year’s worse maritime accident.
Incidentally, Sulpicio lines, owner of the ship, “ holds the world record for the worst peacetime maritime disaster due to the sinking of MV Dona Paz , December of 1987,which killed approximately 4,375 people “ surpassing the number of deaths in the sinking of the famous RMS Titanic at 1,517.
Months later, a group of police officers, among them a retired general flew to Moscow Russia to attend an international conference of the International Police (INTERPOL). The retired general, together with his wife, were stopped and held at the St.Petersburg International airport for failing to declare some 600,00 EUROs or an estimated P9 million, an amount considered as highly anomalous to carry by a government officer.
The scandal caused an outrage and embarrassment internationally and at home as investigations and clamor for their prosecution were demanded.
*****
AT the end of the year 2008, December 6, a bright spot in a rather dreary year for Filipinos was handed out as a Christmas present by the “pambansang Kamao “ Manny “Pacman “ Pacquiao when he demolished the world’s ring icon known as the Golden Boy, Oscar de la Hoya in what was billed as the Dream Match.
Manny thus, emerged as the new “Golden Boy “ of boxing with his victory over De La Hoya.
*******
This newspaper celebrates its 30th year of existence amid a somewhat black spot of its observance. We are talking of a libel case slapped against Balita and two other newsmen, all of who are members of the Philippine Press Club of Ontario (PPCO).
I will not dwell on the merits of the case as mandated (and simply because of the subjudice factor, meaning it is now before the courts) but let me reiterate that all of the respondents in this said case are legally presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Categorically, we at the PPCO unequivocally express our support and solidarity with our colleagues and as journalists, commit ourselves to the principles of fair play and fairness at all times and upholding what we believe is the truth.
We therefore will abide with whatever decision the court has to make and let justice takes its normal course.
Let me assure our readers that Balita has always adhered to the principles of fair play by presenting in our pages all sides of the spectrum in order for the public to assess and decide their opinions and comments on important issues affecting the community.
It’s quite sad that more often than not, libel has become a convenient tool and weapon among those who felt aggrieved or at the receiving end of some criticisms by the media when other avenues seemed to be possible and less
hostile and inexpensive. As it is, legal actions are a very expensive propositions or recourse and nobody wins except those who are paid their deserved retainers or fees.
As we have always proposed and espoused in the PPCO, we are always open for dialogues, meetings and interpersonal contacts to resolve issues or to simply shed light on some concerns that could be mutually arrived at agreeably in a more civil manner.
******
TIDBITS and MILESTONES: Our thanks to members of the Kol Hope Foundation for braving the first winter storm last Dec.19 to share and enjoy with us at the PPCO Christmas party at Casa Manila.
Happy birthdays to December celebrants Jocelyn S.De La Cruz , Ira A.Soriano and to January born-Myrna Soriano (jan.2 and incidentally my bitter. I mean better half) and to my debutante niece Jennifer Soriano Urbe,(Jan.10),Eugene Soriano (Jan.11).
******30*****
DETRACTORS OF MANNY PACQUIAO ENTERING POLITICS SHOULD SHUT once and for all.
There are many idiots, clowns who are in politics and we have a surplus on them.
One is, many has the money, therefore he will not be corrupt nor magnanakaw.
There is no law against many running. Why is Lito Lapid, Noli de Castro, Joseph Estrada, Jinggoy, Bong Revilla in politics.
Many have the same rights and qualifications than them. having displayed a big heart, generosity, a concern for the helpless and the poor, we believe is most qualified than any other idiots we now have in congress
He came from the poor then he must have a genuine concern for the poor.
Wag lang mananaig yun mga kun-suholtants, sulsul-tants at iba pa. many will make a good lawmaker. All he needs is good guidance. But he better watch for people out to gyp him of his money like last time in the 2007 elections.